far from able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far from able" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is not capable or competent in a particular context. Example: "Despite his efforts, he was far from able to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Pharmaceutical manufacturers argue that many countries are very far from able to administer a program of triple therapy, and they are right.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the center's figures still suggest that the economy is far from able to sustain itself, even though Mr. Obuchi promised today that there would be no new spending beyond the record $810.8 billion budget he has proposed.

The New York Times

In the decade since state monitoring began, the infusion of operating funds has done little to solve the problems of a city that is losing population and investment, and whose tax base is far from able to pay for even basic services like police, fire and education without state aid.

The New York Times

If you remember all this, you will also remember that Brandi's arguments in favour of tradition were, however, far from able to appear heavily conservative or able to be reduced tout-court to the anti-modernist deafness of those in charge of protecting the cultural heritage.

City, Territory and Architecture

Even though the current model is far from able to explain all pathology associated with BD, the current literature is not incompatible with a major role of DA.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Speaking of consciousness, while we are very far from being able to capture its essence, researches have been able to tease out various components of thought in subjects' brains using functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI.

TechCrunch

Even so, North Korea is still far from being able to feed itself.

The Economist

Researchers are far, far from being able to design a Rosie Jetson or a Data, or even a Diaper Data.

The New York Times - Science

The latest Deep Q-network is far from being able to wield this kind of malign power.

Independent

We are very, very far from being able to do that.All of this makes Larry Burns' pronouncements even more nonsensical.

The Economist

This indicated that astronomers were not far from being able to detect planets of about the same mass as Earth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far from able", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is unable to do. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "far from able" when a milder expression of difficulty or challenge is more appropriate. Overstating the inability can weaken your argument or sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from able" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, indicating a lack of capability or competence. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe countries unable to administer programs or economies unable to sustain themselves.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "far from able" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate a notable lack of capability or competence. Ludwig's analysis suggests the phrase is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, demonstrating its utility in describing a subject's disqualification or deficiency. While the phrase isn't incorrect, Ludwig also suggests to ensure the context and do not overstate the inability when a milder expression of difficulty or challenge is more appropriate. Related phrases like "incapable of" or "not remotely equipped" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of

Directly states a lack of ability.

nowhere near capable

Emphasizes a greater distance from being capable.

not remotely equipped

Focuses on the lack of necessary resources or skills.

unprepared to

Highlights a lack of readiness to take action.

utterly unready

Highlights a complete lack of preparation.

a long way from competent

Indicates a significant gap in skills or abilities.

not in a position to

Focuses on circumstances preventing ability.

ill-equipped to

Stresses a lack of necessary tools or skills.

unfit for

Suggests a fundamental mismatch of suitability.

not up to the task

Highlights inadequacy for a specific challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "far from able" in a sentence?

Use "far from able" to indicate a significant lack of capability or competence. For example, "The company is "far from able" to meet the new regulations" shows the company's current inability.

What phrases are similar to "far from able"?

Alternatives include "incapable of", "not remotely equipped", or "a long way from competent". Choose the best fit based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not able" or "far from able"?

"Far from able" suggests a greater distance from the required ability than simply saying "not able". Use "far from able" for emphasis.

When is it inappropriate to use "far from able"?

Avoid using "far from able" if the situation involves a minor difficulty or a temporary setback. It's best suited for situations where there's a significant and possibly long-term lack of capacity.